Payne Haas to Rabbitohs: NRL 2026 Mega-Move Confirmed

Payne Haas to South Sydney Rabbitohs: Superstar Forward Seals Three-Year Deal

The South Sydney Rabbitohs are poised to secure one of the most significant signings in the club’s 119-year history, with Samoan international Payne Haas agreeing to a three-year deal commencing in 2027. the move, confirmed by both the Rabbitohs and the Brisbane Broncos, will see the widely-regarded best forward in the game reunite with former coach Wayne Bennett.

A contract reflecting the agreement has been lodged with the National Rugby League (NRL) and is currently subject to a standard 10-day cooling-off period. Both clubs have indicated they will refrain from further comment until the deal is officially finalized.

The acquisition of Haas is considered a major coup for South Sydney, potentially rivaled only by Canterbury’s recent signing of Panthers star Stephen Crichton. Like Crichton, Haas opted to explore opportunities elsewhere despite efforts from his current club to retain his services.

Did you know? – Payne Haas has been named the Broncos’ Player of the Year a record six times, demonstrating his consistent impact and value to the club over several seasons.

The Broncos confirmed that Haas and his management informed them of his intention to depart at the end of the 2026 season. This decision comes as the team prepares to travel to London on Monday for the February 20 World Club Challenge against Super League champions Hull KR, where the details of his future are expected to be finalized.

Haas’s arrival in south Sydney is anticipated to fill the void left by Kangaroos forward Keaon Koloamatangi, who has already committed to a five-year deal with the Dragons starting in 2027. The forward first debuted in the NRL with Bennett as his coach in 2018, and has as played 142 NRL games, alongside 17 State of Origin matches and seven Test appearances.

The move is especially noteworthy given Haas’s recent accolades and consistent high performance. He has been recognized as the Broncos Player of the Year on six occasions – from 2019 to 2023 and again in 2025 – a record within the club. During the Broncos’ 2025 premiership-winning campaign, Haas averaged an remarkable 166 running metres, 67 post-contact metres, and 35 tackles per game with a 98% efficiency rate.

pro tip – The 10-day cooling-off period allows both the player and clubs to review the contract details before it becomes fully binding, ensuring all parties are satisfied.

His impact extends to the representative arena, where he was named NSW Blues Player of the year in 2025 and played a crucial role in series victories in 2019, 2021, and 2024.He was also a finalist for the 2025 IRL Golden Boot award, following his switch of international allegiance to Samoa and leading the Toa to the Pacific Cup final.

The connection between Haas and the Rabbitohs extends beyond his relationship with Bennett. David Fifita, who joined South Sydney this season from the Titans, previously played alongside Haas at the Broncos under Bennett and maintains a close friendship with the star forward. Additionally, Latrell Mitchell shares a strong bond with Haas through their time together in the NSW State of Origin team.

Haas’s departure from Brisbane marks the end of a highly prosperous chapter, but signals the beginning of an exciting new era for the south Sydney Rabbitohs. The club will be hoping his arrival will propel them to further success in the years to come.

Why did Payne Haas leave the Broncos? Haas informed the Broncos of his intention to depart at the end of the 2026 season, seeking new opportunities despite the club’s efforts to retain him.

Who is involved? The key players are payne Haas, the South sydney Rabbitohs, the Brisbane Broncos, and coach Wayne Bennett. David Fifita and Latrell Mitchell also have connections to Haas.